At Norfolk Southern, safety is our top priority. As part of this objective, we are constantly seeking and implementing new strategies to ensure our team members return home in the same condition they arrived. This summer, our Northern Region, which spans from Massachusetts to Illinois, introduced an innovative communication method known as “point and call” to further enhance safety.

Originating in Japan, this technique has been successfully adopted by railroads across Asia to prevent errors arising from miscommunication. The point and call method involves a conductor using their hands to physically point at elements in the yard and clearly verbalizing their requests to the engineer. The engineer then repeats the instructions to confirm mutual understanding before proceeding with the task. This approach is designed to eliminate misunderstandings and reinforce safety protocols.

The implementation of point and call in our Northern Region was developed by Rob Sarver, Superintendent, Great Lakes Division, and Joseph Murphy, Superintendent, Keystone Division. The team incorporated feedback from over 150 managers and craft colleagues, as well as input from local union chairmen. Additionally, more than 100 comments from field-based employees were considered, ensuring the method was tailored to the needs of our teams.

Jaspreet Pannu, General Manager of the Northern Region, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “Our people are our greatest asset at NS. By involving them in every aspect of the point and call method’s development, we ensure that the safety and well-being of our crews are central to our decisions. This approach not only enhances their safety but also strengthens our ability to deliver reliable service to our customers.”

The point and call method is utilized when lining routes, switching rail cars, or approaching signals on the main line. Instead of relying solely on double-checking a directive, crew members use this method to clearly indicate and confirm each step of the process, improving accuracy and safety.

Since the introduction of point and call on July 31, 2024, the Northern Region has achieved a 70 percent reduction in run-through switches, a leading cause of derailments. In addition, the Great Lakes Division recorded its best safety performance in two years in August.

Looking ahead, NS plans to expand the point and call method across all operations, in close collaboration with our employees, to further enhance safety and operational excellence throughout our network.